Committees and networking opportunities provide a forum for Consortium member institutions to further their individual missions and to advance higher education throughout the region. In addition to its Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Colleges of Worcester Consortium offers 31 committees and networking groups through which members can:
The Academic Support and Disability Services committee is a network of college administrators who work as academic support and/or disability services roles on their campuses. They meet quarterly to exchange information and/or collaborate on issues of mutual interest.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
The ALANA Consortium Support Network is an organization of college administrators within the Consortium who work to support the recruitment and retention of ALANA (African-Latino/Hispanic-Asian-Native American) students.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
Consortium alcohol and other drug educators meet regularly to discuss issues common to all of the campuses and to plan joint programming.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
The heads of athletic departments meet occasionally to exchange information and/or collaborate on issues of mutual interest.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
The heads of campus police departments meet occasionally to exchange information and/or collaborate on issues of mutual interest.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
The career services directors work as a collective unit to provide career-related programs and services that could not otherwise be offered to our students. The directors also network and share best practices with each other. The group recently created a Consortium-wide Internship Database for employers and students. Their major project is the annual Consortium Career Fair with 100 employers. Other annual events include the new Working In Worcester Open House for students, and the Career Services Professional Development Day for staff. Contact information may be found on the Campus Career Services Centers Web page.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
The academic officers meet regularly to exchange information and/or collaborate on issues of mutual interest affecting the academic programs of their respective institutions. They review the work of such groups as the Certificate in College Teaching Program, Faculty Development Committee and Registrars Committee.
Consortium Contact: Susan Wyckoff, Vice President
508-754-6829, ext. 3029 Email: swyckoff@cowc.org
The financial officers meet bimonthly to exchange information and/or collaborate on initiatives of mutual interest to various members. They also review the Consortium's financial life, make suggestions to the Board of Directors about such items as member dues and service fees, offer advice on the Consortium's budget, and review the work of the Joint Purchasing Group and the new Controllers and Facilities committees.
Consortium Contact: Carmelita Bello, Vice President & CFO
508-754-6829, ext. 3018 Email: cbello@cowc.org
The CIOs meet at least quarterly to share best practices, explore current trends, and collaborate on economies of scale.
Consortium Contact: Carmelita Bello, Vice President & CFO
508-754-6829, ext. 3018 Email: cbello@cowc.org
The chief student affairs officers (CSAOs) meet regularly to exchange information and/or collaborate on issues of mutual interest affecting the students and student life at their respective institutions.
Consortium Contact: Susan Wyckoff, Vice President
508-754-6829, ext. 3029 Email: swyckoff@cowc.org
Community Engagement Committee members meet regularly to discuss issues of mutual interest, such as professional development for faculty and staff, student recruitment and training, linkages with community agencies/organizations. Its major project is the annual community placements survey which charts the number of students placed in organizations in the region as volunteers, interns, etc.
Consortium Contact: Mark P. Bilotta, CEO
508-754-6829, ext. 3014 Email: mbilotta@cowc.org
The member institutions' public relations and marketing officers meet regularly to exchange information on issues of mutual interest and to plan promotional initiatives and economic impact and partnership reports.
Consortium Contacts: Michael Vigneux, Director of Public Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3016 Email: mvigneux@cowc.org
Cynthia Young, Executive Assistant to the CEO - Publications/Information
508-754-6829, ext. 3027 Email: cyoung@cowc.org
The continuing education directors meet occasionally to exchange information and/or collaborate on initiatives of mutual interest to the members. Visit the individual campus Web sites for information about the many continuing education programs.
Consortium Contact: Susan Wyckoff, Vice President
508-754-6829, ext. 3029 Email: swyckoff@cowc.org
The Controllers meet quarterly to discuss professional issues, exchange ideas and participate in updates and trainings.
Consortium Contact: Carmelita Bello, Vice President & CFO
508-754-6829, ext. 3018 Email: cbello@cowc.org
Institutional officers with responsibilities for external relations meet bimonthly to serve as proactive communications links with appropriate public officials, to serve as a collective sounding board for externally generated concerns, to assess higher education's needs as they relate to community and economic development and to offer recommendations and proposals for consideration by the Consortium Board of Directors.
Consortium Contact: Mark P. Bilotta, CEO
508-754-6829, ext. 3014 Email: mbilotta@cowc.org
The Facilities Committee meets occasionally to share information and investigate areas where cooperative purchasing may benefit the members.
Consortium Contact: Carmelita Bello, Vice President & CFO
508-754-6829, ext. 3018 Email: cbello@cowc.org
The Faculty Development Committee designs and implements programs to foster effective teaching and learning strategies throughout the Consortium. The programs aim to increase reflection and dialogue on teaching by linking faculty to all member institutions as well as to state, regional and national organizations.
Consortium Contact: Susan Wyckoff, Vice President
508-754-6829, ext. 3029 Email: swyckoff@cowc.org
The counsel generals meet periodically throughout the academic year to discuss and share topics of interest to the higher education community.
Consortium Contact: Carmelita Bello, Vice President & CFO
508-754-6829, ext. 3018 Email: cbello@cowc.org
The HEARC reviews the Consortium's higher education access programs and services and advises the Board of Directors on strategic or compliance matters that affect the role and scope of Consortium access programs and services. Members represent the Consortium Board of Directors and staff as well as admissions and financial aid officers of member institutions. In addition,
HEARC members work with representatives of local school systems to address
issues effecting their students' success at the secondary level and access
into postsecondary programs, ultimately leading to successful retention and
timely graduation.
Consortium Contact: Pamela Boisvert, Vice President
508-754-6829, ext. 3018 Email: pboisvert@cowc.org
The human resource directors meet occasionally to discuss professional issues, share information, foster regional cooperation, and investigate current employment opportunities at consortium institutions.
Consortium Contact: Carmelita Bello, Vice President & CFO
508-754-6829, ext. 3018 Email: cbello@cowc.org
The Human Resources Training Committee presents professional development programs to staff, administrators and faculty throughout the Consortium. A calendar of these programs is updated frequently. The programs fall into three areas: technical training, management training, and retirement and financial information seminars, conducted by TIAA/CREF.
Consortium Contact: Carmelita Bello, Vice President & CFO
508-754-6829, ext. 3018 Email: cbello@cowc.org
The designated school officials (DSOs) from Consortium institutions and other area schools meet regularly to exchange information and/or collaborate on issues of mutual interest affecting the international students at their respective institutions.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
The Consortium Joint Purchasing Group establishes group purchase contracts to benefit Consortium members financially. Through cooperative relationships, the group enables members to make the most cost-effective allocation of scarce or limited resources. The group also provides a forum in which purchasing directors can share valuable information and develop and implement best practices in purchasing management.
Consortium Contact: Carmelita Bello, Vice President & CFO
508-754-6829, ext. 3018 Email: cbello@cowc.org
The primary focus of the Registrars Committee is to work on promoting and supporting the Cross-registration Program as well as sharing information and best practices.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
Members of student activities staffs meet occasionally to exchange information and/or collaborate on initiatives of mutual interest and to promote/facilitate intercollegiate social programming. Their annual project is the Emerging Leader Conference held in February.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
Worcester Intercollegiate Government (WIG)
The Worcester Intercollegiate Government was created to promote collaboration and support among Consortium college and university student body presidents. WIG was instrumental in implementing the Woo Bus, a Friday and Saturday night shuttle service that brings students to and from downtown areas from five participating institutions.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
Associate and assistant deans on Consortium campuses meet occasionally to exchange information and/or discuss matters of mutual interest. In addition, SAMM plans three annual networking and/or development events for student affairs administrators.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
The Student Conduct Group is comprised of judicial officers from Consortium campuses who meet to share ideas, concerns, resources and expertise in the area of judicial affairs.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
Webmasters, content managers and site designers meet every other month to share common challenges and solutions and hear guest presenters on topics of mutual interest.
Consortium Contact: Cynthia Young, Executive Assistant to the CEO - Publications/Information
508-754-6829, ext. 3027 Email: cyoung@cowc.org
Counselors meet occasionally to exchange information and/or collaborate on initiatives of mutual interest. This group hosts a bi-annual networking event with local clinicians for referral purposes.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
The Worcester Residence Life Network is composed of professionals at Consortium colleges who provide services to resident students on their campuses. The group meets monthly to discuss issues of mutual interest, and work on their focus areas: mentor program for new professionals, professional development, and para-professional development. The committee maintains its own Web site with resources for residence life staff.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org
Resident Assistant Group
The Resident Assistant Group is a new committee whose main goal is connecting resident assistants (RAs) across campuses. The group shares information about what's happening on their own campuses, serves as a support network for one another, and collaborates to plan Consortium RA socials and workshops.
Consortium Contact: Karen Manson, Director of Student Affairs
508-754-6829, ext. 3009 Email: kmanson@cowc.org